The NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, but for one Minnesota Vikings player, the real competition is just beginning. The team addressed a wide range of needs over draft weekend, but they also sent a clear message to the locker room: no roster spot is safe.
Defensively, Brian Flores added some serious long-term building blocks. Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, and Domonique Orange are all expected to become core pieces of the defense over the next half-decade. These are the kind of foundational players that could reshape the unit and give opposing offenses fits.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Vikings took a more measured approach. Despite deep draft classes at wide receiver and tight end, Minnesota passed on both positions. Instead, they focused on versatility and depth, adding fullback/H-back Max Bredeson, swing tackle Caleb Tiernan, and depth center Gavin Gerhardt. The most intriguing addition, however, came in the sixth round—and it could ignite one of the most fascinating camp battles of the summer.
That battle directly threatens the job of running back Zavier Scott. Scott joined the Vikings as a practice squad signing in 2024 but quickly earned his way onto the active roster for most of the season. He even found the end zone on a wheel route touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a play that showcased his ability as a change-of-pace back. His emergence allowed Minnesota to move on from veteran Cam Akers, a testament to Scott’s value in Kevin O'Connell's offensive scheme.
Scott played 105 offensive snaps in 2025, rushing for 114 yards on 32 carries and catching 14 passes for 98 yards. He's carved out a role as a reliable RB3—a position that, while not flashy, is critical for depth and versatility. But the draft has a way of shaking things up, and this year is no different.
Enter Demond Claiborne, the Vikings' sixth-round pick. Normally, a late-round selection doesn't pose an immediate threat to a roster spot, but running back is a different beast. Claiborne brings something Scott doesn't: pure, explosive juice. He ran a blistering 4.37 40-yard dash and has the open-field explosiveness that the Vikings' running back room has been missing. He's a similar change-of-pace back, but his speed and big-play potential make him a tantalizing option for an offense looking to add another gear.
Scott now faces an uphill battle to hold onto his spot. Camp will tell the story, but one thing is clear: the Vikings are building for the future, and no one can afford to get comfortable.